Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 26 March 2002 For Use: Immediately

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Island Bus Service Improvements

Improvements to Bus Services in the Western Isles will come into operation on 29 March as the Summer Bus Timetables come into operation on all routes.

There will be a new hourly service, funded from the Scottish Executive Rural Transport Fund, from Stornoway Bus Station to the Airport. This service will be run by Peter Maclennan on Mondays to Fridays, and will form part of the Town Service, whilst on Saturdays the service will be operated by Bus na Comhairle as part of the Portnaguran Service. The service will run initially for a one year trial.

Times are available from the Bus Station or from the Lewis and Harris Bus timetable which is being delivered door to door throughout to all households in the Islands.

Also starting on 30 March will be new Saturday services in the Uists, offering enhanced access to Lionacleit School Sports facilities, for visiting patients at the Uist and Barra Hospital, and for Saturday afternoon shopping.

Macvicar's service will operate mid-morning from Lochboisdale to Balivanich (this service will have a connection from Eriskay, and also from Barra via the new ferry service). There is a return journey mid-afternoon to Eriskay to connect with the 1615 ferry to Barra.

Grenitote Travel's bus will depart from Lochmaddy shortly after lunch for Balivanich and Creagorry, returning mid-afternoon.

Chairman of Transportation Norman A. Macdonald said: “Recent years have seen major improvements in public transport for the Islands and I am pleased that we are able to provide these latest enhancements to services.”

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 01851 706412 (Home)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk